~ Dr. Albert Schweitzer
Yesterday, I got up and photographed the sunrise as usual. But I felt exhausted from two longs days of villa duties. Before creating my post, I lay back down for “just a moment”. I woke up at 10AM. Undoubtedly, I was in great need of a re-charge.
The sun was very slow to rise this morning. And I could feel myself going deeper and deeper into my practice the longer I sat. Osho says: “In your silence, when there are no words, no language, nobody else is present, you are getting in tune with existence.”
There is no greater recharge for me than sitting. “Nature is not God, but God revealing the weight of Himself, all his glory through the looking glass of nature.”
Listening to the ocean draw in and out. Walking through a forest, and hearing the trees whisper. Hiking a mountain trail. Spending time with a good friend who truly listens without judgment (the one’s we owe thanks to). These are things that rejuvenate my soul.
Oprah Winfrey says: “You have to find what sparks a light in you, so that you in your own way, can illuminate the world.”
I read an article yesterday that said gardening is one of the best anti-depressants available. Contained within soil is a substance which is found to mirror the effect on neurons that drugs such as prozac provide. The bacterium in soil also stimulate serotonin, which makes you feel more relaxed and happier.
What other activities are known to recharge our souls? Here’s what Google had to offer …
- Reading a good book
- Visiting a museum
- Studying a subject that is new to us – learning a new skill
- Doing something new – bungee jump, etc.
- Attending a classical music concert
- Playing a musical instrument (even just humming)
- Writing a poem, writing in a journal
- Taking a class or workshop
- Donating time to a charity
- Putting away all of your tech gadgets for a day
- Watching children play at a park
- Enjoying a spa day
- Cooking for pleasure and creativity
- Spending time with animals …. go horseback riding
- Sleeping in and enjoying breakfast in bed
- Enjoying a reiki session
- Lighting some candles or incense, watching the flame
- Creating something with your hands: Doodling, drawing, painting. Knitting, doing needlepoint. Quilting. Basketweaving.
- Laughing. Watching comedy.
Each day, we have the choice to indulge in activities, thoughts and behaviors that either nourish our soul or strain it. Make precious time in your day to recharge your soul.
For it is there that we can pour out again …..
By daily practice, hopefully we’ll avoid that feeling of total burnout, causing the light to go out.
What’s your favorite way to recharge?
